What an amazing day it was! People across Melbourne, Australia, and the World celebrated Peace Day. Check out our video and photo gallery to see some of the action in Melbourne.

Peace Day activities were supported by an enthusiastic team of volunteers, and included an opening ceremony for the Wishing Trees along with a sumptuous early morning breakfast at the offices of the Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne.

Lindsay
Field said, “I’m so proud to work with these artists, many of whom I
have long term personal connections with – including The Kin, who are
like Godsons to me! This will be a great show with performers from all
musical genres and age groups coming together to play this special gig
and do our bit to share the message of peace.”

A4P Chairman Mike
Zafiropoulos AM, said, “Melbourne’s population is made up of more than
240 national backgrounds and represents almost all the cultures and
faiths of the world. We are recognised worldwide as one of the world’s
most livable cities. As a truly multicultural society we are uniquely
placed to be an example to the rest of the world as a peaceful and
cohesive society.

﻿Wishing Trees for Peace﻿Australians for Peace were proud to present their ‘Wishing Trees Peace Day Project’ commemorating the UN International Day of Peace.Set in the heart of Melbourne at City Square on Sunday, September 21, olive trees lined the city square and Australians For Peace (A4P) extended an invitation to the people of Melbourne to write their messages of peace on shipping tags, which adorned the trees. Each tag was stamped with a unique Peace Duck drawn by our own Melbourne icon Michael Leunig.The event ran from 10AM to 3PM and was opened by Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne Susan Riley. There was also acoustic performances at this carbon neutral and family friendly event.Trees have historically been used as an object for wishes throughout the ages worldwide and across many cultures and have even been identified as possessing special spiritual values. The olive tree was chosen because its branches have been a symbol of peace since 5th century BC and ancient Greeks believed that it drove away evil spirits. A4P is grateful to the Victorian Multicultural Commission for their financial support for this initiative and to Michael Leunig for his wonderful generosity in providing our Peace Duck.

Peace Beats was an international collaboration which saw 48 hours of continual programming of celebrations of Peace Day around the world. This contribution was from some of our friends in Melbourne.